CAMDEN — Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) joined with elected officials last week to announce the opening of its first Welcome Center for released inmates who need assistance in returning to life outside of incarceration.

Based out of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Camden, the Welcome Center will connect former felons with health care services, as well as "give them skills through community organizing," according to Brian Hancock, a CCOP member from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish.

According to Hancock, a second Welcome Center is scheduled to open in Camden in June.

"Most importantly, the Welcome Centers will serve to literally 'welcome' people back into the community and provide them with social support," read a statement from CCOP.

According to officials, the centers will help to enroll the formerly incarcerated in Medicaid, and work to reduce recidivism along with the Camden County Police Department and health care organizations like Project H.O.P.E.